Understanding High Cholesterol: Causes, Types, and When to Seek Medical Help

Understanding High Cholesterol

What is High Cholesterol?

High cholesterol is a condition where there’s too much cholesterol—a fatty substance—in your blood. While your body needs some cholesterol to function properly, high levels can build up in artery walls, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. It’s often a silent condition with no symptoms, making routine screening essential for early detection and prevention.

Common Symptoms of High Cholesterol

High cholesterol typically doesn’t cause any symptoms, which is why many people are unaware they have it. In some rare cases or advanced stages, signs may include:

Chest pain or angina

Xanthomas (fatty deposits on the skin or around the eyes)

Pain or numbness in the legs due to narrowed arteries

Signs of heart disease or stroke in undiagnosed individuals

Because symptoms are rare, regular blood tests are the only reliable way to detect this condition early.

Causes of High Cholesterol

Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol, including:

Unhealthy diet – high in saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods

Lack of physical activity – leading to weight gain and poor heart health

Smoking – which lowers good cholesterol (HDL) and damages blood vessels

Excessive alcohol intake

Genetics – familial hypercholesterolemia can cause dangerously high levels from a young age

Medical conditions – such as diabetes, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism

Age and gender – cholesterol levels naturally rise with age

Understanding the cause helps guide the most effective treatment and prevention strategy.

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a health professional if:

You’re over the age of 40 and haven’t had your cholesterol checked recently

You have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease

You’re overweight or have other cardiovascular risk factors

You’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or metabolic syndrome

You experience chest pain, fatigue, or symptoms linked to narrowed arteries

Routine blood tests are key to catching this condition before it leads to more serious problems.

Which Health Professionals Treat High Cholesterol?

Managing high cholesterol typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including:

General practitioners (GPs) – for testing, diagnosis, and monitoring

Cardiologists – if high cholesterol has caused or is at risk of causing heart disease

Dietitians – to create personalised heart-healthy eating plans

Pharmacists – for advice on medications and cholesterol-lowering drugs

Lifestyle coaches or health advisors – for support with exercise and habit changes

Looking for health professionals near me to manage high cholesterol? My Health Assistant makes it easy to find expert care.

Risks Associated with Treatment of High Cholesterol

While treatment is essential and usually low risk, some considerations include:

Medication side effects – such as muscle aches, liver issues, or digestive upset (commonly with statins)

Allergic reactions to new prescriptions

Interaction with other medications

Over-reliance on medication without making necessary lifestyle changes

Delayed treatment increasing risk of heart attack or stroke

A balanced approach combining medical care and lifestyle improvements provides the best results.

Treatment Options for High Cholesterol

Treatment depends on your overall health, cholesterol levels, and risk factors for heart disease. Options include:

Lifestyle changes:

Eating a balanced, low-saturated-fat diet

Increasing physical activity (at least 150 minutes per week)

Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake

Managing stress and maintaining a healthy weight

Medications:

Statins – the most common cholesterol-lowering drugs

Ezetimibe – reduces cholesterol absorption in the intestine

PCSK9 inhibitors – for those with genetic high cholesterol or statin intolerance

Bile acid sequestrants – less commonly used but effective in some cases

Regular monitoring – through blood tests and follow-up appointments

With the right plan, many people successfully manage high cholesterol and reduce their long-term health risks.

Summary

High cholesterol is a common yet serious condition that often goes unnoticed until complications arise. With regular screenings, lifestyle changes, and expert medical support, it can be effectively managed or even reversed. My Health Assistant helps you connect with trusted health professionals near me to take control of your heart health. Start your journey toward better wellbeing today at www.myha.co.uk.